The tasks we accomplish are either the ones we decided to accomplish out of our desire and motivation or those we do because we’ve been asked to do so or follow an external motivation.

In the first case, the outcome of the task is what we wanted, and satisfaction arises from accomplishing the task. Being engaged in the process means learning, whether the outcome was the one we looked for or not. There is a fundamental expectation that things will arise during the process that can transform the outcome.

In the second case, we are doing something on behalf of others. We are following their invitation to do something assuming that their satisfaction will give us the satisfaction we are looking for. We are seeking a reward.

However, somehow, we’ve learned that any time we do something we should consider it an effort worth a reward.

We’ve reached this belief based on different mechanisms cultures developed to align individual behavior. Take learning at school leading to good grades, receiving a salary or a raise, or marketing seeking to tell us what a good life looks like. Some of it belongs to the deal we’ve engaged in by being a member of our community, organization, or group of friends.

It becomes a challenging engagement whenever the reward becomes the primary goal.

Instead of acknowledging the existing interdependence, we’ve become entangled in dependence and independence.

It is the moment we lost our liberty and autonomy.